U0121 on CHEVROLET MALIBU — Lost Communication With Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module A

Q: "What does U0121 mean on a CHEVROLET MALIBU?"

"U0121 indicates: Lost Communication With Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module A. This is a network communication code. 6 CHEVROLET MALIBU owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of U0121 on CHEVROLET MALIBU?"

"Based on 6 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Electrical System,Service Brakes, Steering, Electrical System,Electronic Stability Control (Esc),Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is U0121 a safety concern on CHEVROLET MALIBU?"

"Of 6 NHTSA reports for U0121 on CHEVROLET MALIBU, 1 involved a crash. Always consult a qualified mechanic for any diagnostic trouble code."

Q: "What should I do if my CHEVROLET MALIBU shows U0121?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What U0121 Means on Your CHEVROLET MALIBU

U0121 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Lost Communication With Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module A. This code relates to the network communication system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

6 CHEVROLET MALIBU owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2009-2020. Most reports come from the 2014, 2009 model years. The most commonly reported component is Electrical System,Service Brakes (50.0% of reports).

Real CHEVROLET MALIBU Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"Steering wheel jerking while in park and while driving to the point you had to put a lot of strength into keep car in lane, service esc: power steering warning light chimes and comes on while driving, steering wheel locks up while trying to pull over on the side of the road."

— 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · STEERING · Filed 02/20/2018

"I was stopped at a stop sign to turn and when i accelerated a quick flash of the service ecm message came on and then disappeared, but the car stalled out in the middle of the intersection. when i tried to restart the car, it would turnover, run for 2 seconds and then die."

— 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE · Filed 09/20/2015

"I was sitting at a red light, with my foot firmly on the brake."

— 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES · Filed 10/27/2018 ⚠️ Crash reported

"Code u0121 lost connection with electronic brake control module. when coming to a stop, the vehicle stalls and the rpm's drop. jerky acceleration. while driving at speed, vehicle stutters an acceleration."

— 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES · Filed 05/01/2019

"Hendrick chevrolet norfolk virginia dealer service found gm history code dtc u0121 for this failure."

— 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE · Filed 10/27/2014

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'09

1

'10

1

'13

2

'14

1

'20

Common Causes on CHEVROLET MALIBU

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES 50%

STEERING 16.7%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE 16.7%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 16.7%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does U0121 mean on a CHEVROLET MALIBU? ▾

U0121 indicates: Lost Communication With Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module A. This is a network communication code. 6 CHEVROLET MALIBU owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of U0121 on CHEVROLET MALIBU? ▾

Based on 6 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Electrical System,Service Brakes, Steering, Electrical System,Electronic Stability Control (Esc),Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is U0121 a safety concern on CHEVROLET MALIBU? ▾

Of 6 NHTSA reports for U0121 on CHEVROLET MALIBU, 1 involved a crash. Always consult a qualified mechanic for any diagnostic trouble code.

What should I do if my CHEVROLET MALIBU shows U0121? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

U0121 on Other Vehicles

→ All codes reported on CHEVROLET MALIBU